Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2021
149. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if provision will be made for workers of local employment services that are being replaced by private providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55099/21]
View answerMy Department is now at an advanced stage in its first phase of a two-phase procurement of new employment services. This procurement process follows extensive consultations by my Department with the existing service providers over the last number of years.
This phase involves the procurement of Regional Employment Services for seven counties in four lots for the North-West and Midlands. None of these counties currently operate a Local Employment Service and therefore no Local Employment Service employees are being replaced.
The Phase two procurement, to commence shortly, will see the Regional Employment Service model rolled out across the State. It will take on board the learnings of the first phase. This is a significant expansion of employment services and will result in State-wide coverage of employment services for those furthest from the labour market for the first time.
As I have stated previously, existing service providers, including current local employment services, with their strong track record and demonstrable capacity for delivering high-quality employment services, will be in a good position to submit strong competitive tenders for the Regional Employment Service.
